At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a minibus, ensuring safe transport for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Surrey Choices supports people with disabilities to thrive in their communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, full training, and access to employee perks like the Blue Light Card.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and be 21+; experience in passenger services is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, with opportunities for career progression and a £500 refer-a-friend scheme.
Contract Type: Salary: £12.60 per hour
Location: Godalming, Surrey (with regular travel across Surrey-based services)
Hours: Flexible bank working - Monday to Friday
Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? Do you think you could help people reach their full potential? At Surrey Choices, we support people with learning disabilities and autism to be active members of their local communities through inspiring and challenging them to learn, enjoy and achieve their goals. Our mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable services that enable choice and positive outcomes for the people we support. These services are provided by skilled, engaged and inspired colleagues.
As the Community Transport Driver, you will provide transport services to the people we support primarily at the start and end of the day, ensuring they are safely picked up and dropped off at our various services across Surrey Choices or directly into the community to attend activities.
The role would suit applicants with previous experience within passenger services or an interest in driving, who are looking for a rewarding role which will make a real difference in people’s lives by enabling them access to the local community.
- Provision of door-to-door transport services to the people we support into and home from services.
- Driving a company minibus, ensuring all service-users are transported safely and in line with all policies and procedures.
- Establishing positive and professional relationships with passengers, their carers/parents and key colleagues at the services and activities they attend.
- Ensuring passenger safety, including helping passengers on and off the vehicle when required.
- Performing regular vehicle checks in line with procedures and reporting any concerns or issues to the Senior Community Transport Driver or the Community Transport Manager.
- Operation of all vehicle equipment, including steps, seat belts, wheelchair clamps and tail lifts.
- Reporting any safeguarding concerns or issues to the Senior Community Transport Driver or Community Transport Manager.
- Ensuring the minibus is kept clean and tidy.
What we would like from you:
- Full UK driving licence (Maximum 6 penalty points at time of appointment) held for a minimum of two years for insurance purposes.
- 21+ for insurance purposes.
- Ability to support people using the services in and out of the vehicle.
- Willingness to be trained to drive a minibus.
- Willing to be fully trained in wheelchair safety and restraint when on vehicles.
- Ability to act effectively to diffuse any difficult situations on the vehicles and to write brief notes/reports on incidents.
- Ability to liaise over day-to-day concerns between home and services with tact and diplomacy.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills and ability to maintain written records, including recording passenger complaints.
- Willingness to be flexible in terms of starting times, finishing times and locations (within an area).
What we can offer you:
- Full training given - career progression encouraged.
- £500 refer-a-friend scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Automatic entry into Perkbox benefit scheme.
- Subsidised access to a Blue Light Card.
For an informal conversation and to find out more about this rewarding role, please contact Denise Hardwick on 07542 153350.
Surrey Choices Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. Surrey Choices is a Real Living Wage Employer. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Bank Driver - Community Transport (20 hours a week) - Godalming, Surrey (with regular travel across Surrey-based services) employer: Surrey Choices
Contact Detail:
Surrey Choices Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Driver - Community Transport (20 hours a week) - Godalming, Surrey (with regular travel across Surrey-based services)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area of Godalming and surrounding Surrey regions. Knowing the routes and key locations will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in passenger services or working with individuals with learning disabilities or autism. This will show that you understand the importance of the role and can connect with the people you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging situations while driving. Think of examples where you've successfully diffused tension or provided excellent customer service, as this is crucial for ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to express your willingness to undergo training, especially regarding wheelchair safety and restraint. Showing enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new skills will make you a more attractive candidate for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Bank Driver - Community Transport (20 hours a week) - Godalming, Surrey (with regular travel across Surrey-based services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Community Transport Driver position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what Surrey Choices is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in passenger services or driving roles. Emphasise any previous work with individuals with learning disabilities or autism, as well as your ability to establish positive relationships with passengers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Mention specific examples of how you have supported others in the past and express your willingness to undergo training for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your communication is clear and professional, reflecting the written communication skills required for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Choices
✨Know the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Community Transport Driver. Understand the importance of providing safe and reliable transport for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these needs.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
Show that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported others in the past, especially in challenging situations, to highlight your ability to connect with passengers and their families.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Since driving is a key part of this role, emphasise your driving experience, particularly with passenger services. Mention your full UK driving licence and any relevant training or certifications that demonstrate your capability and commitment to safety.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the training process, team dynamics, or how success is measured in this role. It shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position.